Abstract/Summary

The paper reviews the literature on advocacy planning and interweaves empirical evidence drawn from staff and volunteers of Planning Aid England to reconsider its basis and effectiveness. Forms of ‘neo-advocacy’ planning are deemed necessary given the continuing under-representation of lower-income groups and other minority groups in planning and in an era of neo-liberal policy. The attention of policymakers and of the planning profession more widely should be given to how neo-advocacy functions are sustained. It is concluded that the aims of Planning Aid are so important to the legitimacy and effectiveness of planning that it needs to be placed on a more secure footing.